Foss,Menuhin, Michell, Wincenc,Brooklyn Philharmonic - Bach: Violin Concertos

Bach - Violin Concertos - Menuhin - Robert Masters Chamber Orchestra

Cut from the original EMI master tapes at Abbey Road Studios

This classic collection of the famed Bach Violin Concertos was recorded when Yehudi Menuhin was in his early 40s and in his absolute prime. The Bach A minor and E major Concertos were originally recorded at London's famous Kingsway Hall on October 7 and 8, 1958, and the Double Concerto, with the legendary French violinist Christian Ferras, was recorded on July 8, 1959. Produced and engineered by Peter Andry and Robert Gooch. 

Now offered by Hi-Q Records on JVC's XRCD-24 bit Super Analog disc. XRCD-24 represents JVC's continuing commitment to the pursuit of digital audio perfection. XRCD offers clearer definition, more accurate imaging, and higher audio quality than any compact disc before.

The Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 has three movements, the Allegro or Allegro moderato, the Andante — with an ostinato style theme, and the Allegro assai. In the Andante Bach uses an insistent pattern in the bass part that is repeated constantly in the movement. He focuses the variation in the harmonic relations. In the final movement Bach relies on bariolage figures to generate striking acoustic effects. The piece is a baroque concerto which is in ritornello form. This means that there is a main section that comes back in fragments in both the solo violin, piano and orchestral parts. This 'ritornello' can be found in the first movement up until bar 24.

The Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings and Continuo in D Minor, BWV 1043, also known as the Double Violin Concerto or "Bach Double," is perhaps one of the most famous works by J. S. Bach and considered among the best examples of the work of the late Baroque period. Bach wrote it between 1717 and 1723 when he was the capellmeister at the court of Anhalt-Köthen, Germany. In addition to the two soloists, the concerto is scored for strings and basso continuo. The concerto is characterized by the subtle yet expressive relationship between the violins throughout the work. The musical structure of this piece uses fugal imitation and much counterpoint. The concerto comprises three movements: Vivace, Largo ma non tanto, and Allegro.

The Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 is a concerto for violin, strings and continuo in 3 movements: Allegro with ritornello, with an overall structure like that of a da capo aria; Adagio with a ground bass; Allegro assai with an overall structure of a rondo.

"The stereo balance is wonderfully successful, with Menuhin on the right in the solo concertos, so that he is the more clearly contrasted with the first violins, while in the double concerto the two players can be clearly differentiated all the time; in this sort of music stereo pays splendid dividends" — Gramophone (1960)

 

 

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750)

Violin Concerto in A Minor, BWV 1041

1. I. Allegro

2. II. Andante

3. III. Allegro assai

Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043

4. I. Vivace

5. II. Largo ma non tanto

6. III. Allegro

Vioiln Concerto in E Major BWV 1042

7. I. Allegro

8. II. Adagio

9. III. Allegro assai

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it